yoga

48

december 2018 / january 2019

yogajournal.com.sg

START TO FEEL GROUNDED IN SURFBOARD POSE

Place 3 folded blankets vertically up the center of your mat, stair-

stepping the short edges, and place 2 blocks side by side at the

foot of your mat with a rolled-up blanket on top (to rest your feet

on). Start on all fours, and lower yourself onto the blankets—as

if lying on a surfboard. Your pelvis, torso, and head should be

supported by the blankets, with your kneecaps on the ground or

on your mat (add support here if needed) and the tops of your

feet on the blanket roll. Turn your head to one side with your arms

resting on the ground in the shape of a cactus. Let your whole

body fall into the blankets so that you feel comfortable, supported,

and relaxed. Take slow, long breaths. Every few minutes, turn

your head to the other side. To exit, bring your hands below your

shoulders, gently firm your belly, and press up to all fours. Slowly

come to sitting.

The benefits Surfboard is physically and emotionally grounding

and soothing. It is a pose that feels protective of your vulnerable

organs, which allows you to release tension in your belly and

expand your breath into your back. When you exhale, give

yourself permission to allow the props and the ground to fully

hold you. This builds the foundation you need to begin to grow

present, to release the way you hold your tension, and to create

space for yourself in your body and mind.

Journal prompts

In what parts of your

life in what situations

do you feel most safe?

What prevents you from

feeling grounded?

What can you do to feel

more grounded today?

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